Compact self-checkout kiosks

ABSTRACT

A kiosk includes a kiosk housing, a barcode reader, a receipt printer, a display unit, and a processor communicatively coupled to the barcode reader, receipt printer, and display unit. The kiosk has a reader housing having a lower housing portion with an upper surface facing a product scanning region and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housing portion, a horizontal window positioned at the upper surface of the lower housing portion and configured to allow a first light to pass between the product scanning region and an interior region of the reader housing, and an upright window positioned in the upper housing portion and configured to allow a second light to pass between the product scanning region and the interior region of the reader housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/888,070, filed on May 29, 2020, and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present patent relates generally to self-checkout kiosks and, inparticular, to compact self-checkout kiosks and rotatable andconvertible compact self-checkout kiosks.

BACKGROUND

Self-checkout kiosks and other kiosks that use barcode readers arebecoming more prolific in retail environments as many stores attempt tofree up employees for other tasks. The purpose of these kiosks istwo-fold: to help the stores redirect their employees to perform otherimportant tasks and to help customers get what they need more quickly,whether that be to place an order, or checkout of a store. However, manystores don't have the real estate or space to install many of thepresent self-checkout kiosks due to their large size (even the smallerof the present kiosks having an 18 inch width and taking up a largeamount of counter space). This requires smaller stores to retrofitexisting counter space and potentially reduces the number of checkoutlanes in the process. Therefore, it would be beneficial if there were asmaller form factor of kiosk that could help stores more easilyintegrate the kiosks into their existing points-of-sale without themodification of existing counter spaces.

In addition, larger stores can have allocated space specifically forself-checkout kiosks in addition to traditional checkout lanes, butsmaller stores don't have the needed real estate. Therefore, smallerstores can be required to take a risk by removing traditional checkoutlanes to make space for self-checkout, which may or may not be receivedwell by their customers. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have akiosk that can easily and quickly convert from a traditional cashierpoint-of-sale to a self-checkout kiosk on the fly without bulky andcomplicated mechanisms. This gives stores a flexible space that can berapidly adapted based on the number of employees, the tasks that need tobe done in the store, and the demand of customers.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention is a kiosk comprising a kioskhousing, a barcode reader, a receipt printer, a display unit, and aprocessor communicatively coupled to the barcode reader, the receiptprinter, and the display unit. The kiosk housing has a width less thanor equal to 6¾ inches and the barcode reader, receipt printer, andprocessor are within the kiosk housing. The barcode reader comprises areader housing, an imaging assembly within the reader housing, a windowin the reader housing configured to allow a light to pass between aproduct scanning region and an interior region of the reader housing,and a set of optical components positioned within the interior regionand configured to direct a field-of-view of the imaging assembly throughthe window.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a kiosk comprising akiosk housing, a barcode reader, a receipt printer, a display unit, anda processor communicatively coupled to the barcode reader, receiptprinter, and display unit. The kiosk has a width less than or equal to 9inches and the barcode reader, receipt printer, and processor are withinthe kiosk housing. The barcode reader comprises a reader housing havinga lower housing portion with an upper surface facing a product scanningregion and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housingportion, a generally horizontal window positioned at the upper surfaceof the lower housing portion and configured to allow a first light topass between the product scanning region and an interior region of thereader housing, a generally upright window positioned in the upperhousing portion and configured to allow a second light to pass betweenthe product scanning region and the interior region of the housing. Thereader housing has a width that is greater than or equal to 5 inches andless than or equal to 7½ inches, the lower housing portion has a heightthat is greater than or equal to 3 inches, the upper housing portion hasa height that is greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than orequal to 6 inches, and the upper surface of the lower housing portionhas a length between a proximal edge adjacent the upper housing portionto a distal edge, opposite the proximal edge, that is greater than orequal to 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is an assemblycomprising a rotatable base and a kiosk mounted to the rotatable base.The kiosk includes a kiosk housing, a barcode reader within the kioskhousing, a receipt printer within the kiosk housing, a display unit, anda processor within the kiosk housing and communicatively coupled to thebarcode reader, the receipt printer, and the display unit. The kiosk isrotatable with the rotatable base without any vertical movement of thekiosk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed examples, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first example kiosk;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 , takenalong line 3-3 in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 with analternative external display module;

FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the kiosk of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the kiosk of FIG. 1 with analternative internal payment module;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a second example kiosk;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the kiosk of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the kiosk of FIG. 7 , takenalong line 9-9 in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the barcode reader of thekiosk of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the kiosk of FIG. 7 with analternative internal payment module;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a first example assembly withthe kiosk of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the base of the assembly ofFIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the base of the assembly of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a second example assembly withthe kiosk of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 16A illustrates the kiosk of FIG. 1 in a point-of-sale mode; and

FIG. 16B illustrates the kiosk of FIG. 1 in a self-checkout mode.

The apparatus and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the disclosedexamples so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example kiosks described herein provide smaller, compact kiosks thathave a minimum footprint, where the width of the kiosk is drivenprimarily by the size of the barcode reader used in the particularkiosk. These example kiosks have all the electronics required containedin a single compact housing and can more easily be integrated intoexisting point-of-sale or counter spaces with minimal changes requiredand are easily adaptable to fit on pedestals. The smaller size of theexample kiosks also allows for easier shipping and serviceability. Forexample, unlike many current kiosks, the example kiosks herein can beswapped out when they need service in order to keep the checkout laneopen and serviced remotely.

In addition, the example kiosks can be mounted onto a rotatable base,which allows the kiosks to function as a self-checkout kiosk and atraditional point-of-sale kiosk. The example kiosks can be easilyrotated to face an employee or a customer, depending on the need, andcan be configured to perform specific operations or allow specificfunctionality depending on the position of the kiosks.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , an first example self-checkout kiosk 10 isshown having a kiosk housing 100 with a front wall 105 that defines afront surface of kiosk housing 100, rear wall 110, opposing side walls115, top wall 120, and bottom wall 125. In the example shown, kioskhousing 100 has a width W1 that is less than or equal to 6¾ inches,preferably less than or equal to 5 inches, and a height H1 that is lessthan or equal to 16 inches.

A barcode reader 200 is positioned within kiosk housing 100 and includesa reader housing 205 with a window 230 configured to allow a light topass between a product scanning region 240, where the barcodes ofproducts can be read by barcode reader 200, and an interior region 235of reader housing 205. An imaging assembly 210 within reader housing 205has an imager 215 and optical components 220, such as mirrors,positioned within interior region 235 that direct a first field-of-view225 of imaging assembly 210 through window 230 in reader housing 205.Processor 320 is communicatively coupled to barcode reader 200 and isconfigured to decode barcodes captured by barcode reader 200.

Kiosk 10 also has a receipt printer 300 and a display unit 310. Receiptprinter 300 can be used to print receipts, coupons, etc., and ispreferably positioned within kiosk housing 100. Alternatively, receiptprinter 300 can also be a separate unit that is positioned near kiosk 10or mounted to kiosk housing 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , display unit310 can be positioned within kiosk housing 100 and barcode reader 200,receipt printer 300, and display unit 310 are vertically aligned alonglongitudinal axis A of kiosk 10, which allows the footprint of kiosk 10to be minimized. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4-5 , display unit310A can be a separate unit that is position outside kiosk housing 100and is removably mounted to an exterior 135 of kiosk housing 100, forexample by mounting bracket 315. With display unit 310A mounted toexterior 135 of kiosk housing 100, the overall width W2 of kiosk housing100 and display unit 310A is preferably less than or equal to 6 inches.

Processor 320 is also preferably positioned within kiosk housing 100, iscommunicatively coupled to barcode reader 200, receipt printer 300, anddisplay unit 310, 310A, and is configured to decode barcodes captured bybarcode reader 200. Processor 320 can also be configured to performadvanced processing, such as facial recognition, object recognition, andgesture recognition, of images received from imaging assembly 210 ofbarcode reader 200. Preferably, to keep the size and footprint as smallas possible, there are no other electronic components, other thanprocessor 320 located within kiosk housing 100 that are communicativelycoupled to barcode reader 200, receipt printer 300, or display unit 310,310A.

Kiosk 10 can also include a payment module 330 that can be used toreceive card payment for transactions. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 ,payment module 330 can be mounted to kiosk housing 100, for example bymounting bracket 335, and is commutatively coupled to processor 320.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 , payment module 330A can also belocated within kiosk housing 100 and partially integrated with displayunit 310. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , a chip reader 332 of paymentmodule 330A for reading the chips of payment cards is positioned withinkiosk housing 100 below display unit 310 and a magnetic strip reader 334of payment module 330A for reading the magnetic strips of payment cardsis positioned within kiosk housing 100 to the side of display unit 310.Display unit 310 can then be configured to provide the display (e.g.,payment instructions, etc.) and the input (e.g., PIN codes, etc.) forpayment module 330A.

To provide additional functionality to kiosk 10, kiosk 10 can alsoinclude a vision camera 340, such as a 2 megapixel color camera,positioned within kiosk housing 100 above and in general verticalalignment with barcode reader 200, receipt printer 300, and display unit310, 310A, as best shown in FIG. 3 . Vision camera 340 can be positionedwithin an upper portion 130 of kiosk housing 100 that extends outwardpast front wall 105 and upwards from top wall 120, such that at least aportion of vision camera 340 is located forward of front wall 105.Vision camera 340 has a second field-of-view 345 that faces generallydownward and overlaps first field-of-view 225 of imaging assembly 210within product scanning region 240. Two overlapping fields-of-view(first field-of-view 225 of imaging assembly 210 and secondfield-of-view 345 of vision camera 340) from different angles helps tomore accurately identify items for object recognition. Since differentsides of an object can be seen by imaging assembly 210 and vision camera340, the accuracy of item identification in a convolutional neuralnetwork system can be greatly improved. To intersect first field-of-view225 within product scanning region 240 and provide a sufficient view forvision camera 340, vision camera 340 can be positioned more than 12inches, preferably 14½ inches, above bottom wall 125 of kiosk housing100 and have a lower boundary that is less than 2 inches from front wall105 at bottom wall 125 and, preferably, is substantially parallel tofront wall 105. Second field-of-view 345 of vision camera 340 can alsobe oriented to encompass objects that are located adjacent to kiosk 10.This allows kiosk 10 to monitor adjacent payment terminals and for itemsleft in a cart or basket, items left in a bagging area, printed receiptsleft in a printer, etc. In addition, second field-of-view 345 can alsohave vertical coverage that is large enough to encompass productscanning region 240 and also to be able to view the facial features of auser of kiosk 10. This allows kiosk 10 to use facial recognition toperform various functions, such as security monitoring, such ascapturing the face of a customer along with suspected theft events thatare logged, purchase of age restricted items, facial identificationpayment methods, etc.

By using imaging assembly 210 and vision camera 340, two different sidesof each item that is scanned are being viewed and kiosk 10 can performmore confident checks against scan avoidance and ticket switching. Forexample, if a user of kiosk 10 tries to avoid scanning an item bypassing the item above, below, or out of range of first field-of-view225 of barcode reader 200, vision camera 340 would see the item movepast, which could flag a scan avoidance event. In addition, if a user ofkiosk 10 covers an item with another item on the side facing barcodereader 200, vision camera 340 would see that the top of the item wasdifferent than the front side of the item, which could flag a ticketswitching event. When mounted in kiosk housing 100, second field-of-view345 of vision camera 340 can also encompass the area in front of receiptprinter 300 and an alert can be provided if a receipt has not been takenfrom receipt printer 300. Similarly, second field-of-view 345 of visioncamera 340 can be wide enough to encompass the area directly in front ofpayment module 330, 330A, which allows kiosk 10 to monitor paymentmodule 330, 330A provide an alert if a card is left in payment module330, 330A.

In some embodiments, if desired, a second vision camera 350 can also bepositioned within kiosk housing 100 and positioned below and in generalvertical alignment with imaging assembly 210 of barcode reader 200,receipt printer 300, and display unit 310, 310A, as best shown in FIG. 3. Second vision camera 350 can also be a 2 megapixel color camera andcan be its own unit or can be part of barcode reader 200. In thisembodiment, second vision camera 350 has a third field-of-view 355 thatfaces generally upward and overlaps first field-of-view 225 of imagingassembly 210 and second field-of-view 345 of vision camera 340 withinproduct scanning region 240. Because third field-of-view 355 of secondvision camera 350 faces generally upward, third field-of-view 355 mayalso be able to view the facial features of a user of kiosk 10, whichwould also assist in the use of facial recognition to perform variousfunctions, such as security, purchase of age restricted items, facialidentification payment methods, etc.

A video processing module 360 can also be communicatively coupled tovision camera 340, second vision camera 350, and processor 320 andconfigured to and perform advanced processing, such as facialrecognition, object recognition, and gesture recognition, of imagesreceived from vision camera 340 and second vision camera 350. Videoprocessing module 360 can also be configured to perform advancedprocessing, such as facial recognition, object recognition, and gesturerecognition, of images received from imaging assembly 210 of barcodereader 200. With second field-of-view 345 oriented to encompass objectsthat are located adjacent to kiosk 10, video processing module 360 canalso be configured to recognize that an object is located adjacent kiosk10, for example in a cart, basket, or bagging area, from the imagesreceived from vision camera 340, determine if a user is attempting tocomplete a transaction, and provide an alert if the user is attemptingto complete the transaction with an object detected adjacent kiosk 10that has not been scanned. Alternatively, video processing module 360may not be required and processor 320 can be configured to perform theadvanced processing discussed above.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9 , a second example self-checkout kiosk 20 isshown having a kiosk housing 1100 with a front wall 1105 that defines afront surface of kiosk housing 100, rear wall 1110, opposing side walls1115, top wall 1120, and bottom wall 1125. In the example shown, kioskhousing 1100 has a width W3 that is less than or equal to 9 inches and aheight H2 that is less than or equal to 17 inches.

A bioptic barcode reader 1200 is positioned within kiosk housing 100and, as best seen in FIG. 10 , includes a reader housing 1205 having alower housing portion 1245 with an upper surface 1250 facing a productscanning region 1240, where the barcodes of products can be read bybarcode reader 1200, and an upper housing portion 1280 extending abovelower housing portion 1245. Reader housing 1205 has a width W4 that isgreater than or equal to 5 inches and less than or equal to 7½ inches,lower housing portion 1245 has a height H3 that is greater than or equalto 3 inches, and upper housing portion 1280 has a height H4 that isgreater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches.Upper surface 1250 of lower housing portion 1245 has a length L1 betweena proximal edge 1255 adjacent upper housing portion 1280 to a distaledge 1260, opposite proximal edge 1255, that is greater than or equal to6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches. A generally horizontalwindow 1270 is positioned at upper surface 1250 of lower housing portion1245 and is configured to allow a first light to pass between productscanning region 1240 and an interior region 1235 of reader housing 1205.A generally upright window 1285 is positioned in upper housing portion1280 and is configured to allow a second light to pass between productscanning region 1240 and interior region 1235. An imaging assemblywithin reader housing 1205 has an imager and optical components 1220,such as mirrors, positioned within interior region 1235 that directfields-of-view 1225, 1225A of the imaging assembly through horizontalwindow 1270 and upright window 1285. Processor 1320 is communicativelycoupled to barcode reader 1200 and is configured to decode barcodescaptured by barcode reader 1200.

Kiosk 20 also has a receipt printer 1300 and a display unit 1310.Receipt printer 1300 can be used to print receipts, coupons, etc., andis preferably positioned within kiosk housing 1100. Alternatively,receipt printer 1300 can also be a separate unit that is positioned nearkiosk or mounted to kiosk housing 1100. As shown, display unit 1310 canbe positioned within kiosk housing 1100 and barcode reader 1200, receiptprinter 1300, and display unit 1310 are vertically aligned alonglongitudinal axis A of kiosk 20, which allows the footprint of kiosk 20to be minimized. Alternatively, the display unit can be a separate unitthat is position outside kiosk housing 1100 and is removably mounted tokiosk housing 1100, as discussed above.

Processor 1320 is also preferably positioned within kiosk housing 1100,is communicatively coupled to barcode reader 1200, receipt printer 1300,and display unit 1310, and is configured to decode barcodes captured bybarcode reader 1200. Processor 1320 can also be configured to performadvanced processing, such as facial recognition, object recognition, andgesture recognition, of images received from the imaging assembly ofbarcode reader 1200. Preferably, to keep the size and footprint as smallas possible, there are no other electronic components, other thanprocessor 1320 located within kiosk housing 1100 that arecommunicatively coupled to barcode reader 1200, receipt printer 1300, ordisplay unit 1310.

Kiosk 20 can also include a payment module 1330 that can be used toreceive card payment for transactions. Payment module 1330 is preferablymounted to kiosk housing 1100, for example by mounting bracket 1335, andis commutatively coupled to processor 1320. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 11 , payment module 1330A can also be located within kiosk housing1100 and be positioned in general vertical alignment with barcode reader1200, receipt printer 1300, and display unit 1310.

To provide additional functionality to kiosk 20, kiosk 20 can alsoinclude a vision camera 1340, such as a 2 megapixel color camera,positioned within kiosk housing 1100 above and in general verticalalignment with barcode reader 1200, receipt printer 1300, and displayunit 1310, as shown in FIG. 9 . Vision camera 1340 can be positionedwithin an upper portion 1130 of kiosk housing 1100 that extends outwardpast front wall 1105 and upwards from top wall 1120, such that at leasta portion of vision camera 1340 is located forward of front wall 1105.Vision camera 1340 has a second field-of-view 1345 that faces generallydownward and overlaps first fields-of-view 1225, 1225A of barcode reader1200 within product scanning region 1240. The overlapping fields-of-viewfrom different angles helps to more accurately identify items for objectrecognition, as discussed above. Since different sides of an object canbe seen by barcode reader 1200 and vision camera 1340, the accuracy ofitem identification in a convolutional neural network system can begreatly improved. Second field-of-view 1345 of vision camera 1340 canalso be oriented to encompass objects that are located adjacent to kiosk20, as discussed above, which allows kiosk 20 to monitor adjacentpayment terminals and for items left in a cart or basket, items left ina bagging area, printed receipts left in a printer, etc. In addition,second field-of-view 1345 can also have vertical coverage that is largeenough to encompass product scanning region 1240 and also to be able toview the facial features of a user of kiosk 20.

As discussed in detail above, by using barcode reader 1200 and visioncamera 1340, different sides of each item that is scanned are beingviewed and kiosk 20 can perform more confident checks against scanavoidance and ticket switching, provide an alert if a receipt has notbeen taken from receipt printer 1300, and provide an alert if a card isleft in payment module 1330, 1330A.

A video processing module 1360 can also be communicatively coupled tovision camera 1340 and processor 1320 and configured to and performadvanced processing, such as facial recognition, object recognition, andgesture recognition, of images received from vision camera 1340. Videoprocessing module 1360 can also be configured to perform advancedprocessing, such as facial recognition, object recognition, and gesturerecognition, of images received from barcode reader 1200. Alternatively,video processing module 1360 may not be required and processor 1320 canbe configured to perform the advanced processing discussed above.

In addition to having a smaller size and reduced footprint, kiosks 10,20 can also be incorporated into assemblies that allow all the aspects(display, scanner, receipt printer, payment terminal, etc.) of kiosks10, 20 to be quickly rotated to face either the cashier or the customer,as needed, without complicated mechanisms. This allows for quick andeasy conversion between a traditional cashier point-of-sale system and aself-checkout kiosk. In addition, the assemblies with kiosks 10, 20 canbe oriented to face a cashier for scanning of items and rotated to facea customer for review and payment. The assemblies can also be orientedsideways between the cashier and customer so both can scan, review,and/or complete payment during a transaction.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14 , a first example assembly 400 is shown thatincludes kiosk 10 mounted to a rotatable base 405, such that kiosk 10 isrotatable with base 405 without any vertical movement of kiosk 10. Base405 could be pre-integrated into kiosk 10 or could be adapted to acceptand be secured to kiosk 10. Base 405 includes a bottom portion 410 thatcan be placed on and/or secured to a counter or other workspace and atop portion 415 that is rotatably mounted to bottom portion 410 via abearing (not shown) or other mechanism located between bottom portion410 and top portion 415 so that top portion 415 is rotatable relative tobottom portion 410. As best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 , base 405 in theparticular example shown has a first planar side 420 that is generallyparallel to front wall 105 of kiosk housing 100, a second planar side425 that is generally parallel to rear wall 110 of kiosk housing 100 andopposite first planar side 420, and opposing first and second arcuatesides 430, 435 that extend between and interconnect first and secondplanar sides 420, 425. First and second planar sides 420, 425 allowassembly 400 to fit in narrower counter spaces. Alternatively, first andsecond planar sides 420, 425 are not required and base 405 can begenerally cylindrical all the way around the circumference of base 405.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a second example assembly 500 is shown thatincludes kiosk 20 mounted a rotatable base 505, such that kiosk 20 isrotatable with base 505 without any vertical movement of kiosk 20. Base505 could be pre-integrated into kiosk 20 or could be adapted to acceptand be secured to kiosk 20. Base 505 includes a bottom portion 510 thatcan be placed on and/or secured to a counter or other workspace and atop portion 515 that is rotatably mounted to bottom portion 510 via abearing (not shown) or other mechanism located between bottom portion510 and top portion 515 so that top portion 515 is rotatable relative tobottom portion 510. In the particular example shown in FIG. 13 , base505 is generally cylindrical all the way around the circumference ofbase 505. Alternatively, base 505 can also have opposing front and rearplanar sides, as discussed above for base 405.

Bases 405, 505 can also have sensors 440, 540, such as hall effectsensors, light beam breaking sensors, rotational position sensors,geomagnetic sensors, optical sensors, and gyroscopes, that can be usedto determine the rotational position of kiosks 10, 20 and processors320, 1320 of kiosks 10, 20 could be communicatively coupled to sensors440, 540 to allow processors 320, 1320 to determine the rotationalposition of kiosks 10, 20. Alternatively, or in addition to sensors 440,540, if kiosks 10, 20 have vision cameras 340, 1340, processors 320,1320 can also be configured to determine the rotational position ofkiosks 10, 20 based on images received from vision cameras 340, 1340.For example, processors 320, 1320 could be calibrated to recognizefeatures in the store or targets placed on the counter and/floor aroundthe kiosks 10, to determine the rotational positions of kiosks 10, 20.

Whether sensors 440, 540 or vision cameras 340, 1340 are used todetermine the rotational position of kiosks 10, 20, kiosks 10, 20 canalso have a memory 325, 1325 that is communicatively coupled toprocessors 320, 1320 (or to processors 320, 1320 through videoprocessing modules 360, 1360 that are communicatively coupled to visioncameras 340, 1340 and processors 320, 1320) that includes a plurality ofcomputer executable instructions that, when executed by processors 320,1320, can automatically perform various functions based on therotational position of kiosks 10, 20. For example, kiosks 10, 20 can beautomatically switched between a point-of-sale mode when kiosks 10, 20are in a first rotational position with kiosks 10, facing towards anemployee 600 or cashier (FIG. 16A) and a self-checkout mode when kiosks20 are in a second rotational position with kiosks 10, 20 facing towardsa customer 605 (FIG. 16B). In the point-of-sale mode, barcode readers200, 1200 could be activated, payment modules 330, 330A, 1330, 1330Acould be deactivated, and advanced processing of images, such as facialrecognition, could be deactivated since employee 600 is operating kiosks10, 20 and processors 320, 1320 can activate payment modules 330, 330A,1330, 1330A and activate facial recognition processing when kiosks 10,20 are rotated to self-checkout mode. In addition, cash drawers 445, 545associated with each assembly 400, 500 could be unlocked inpoint-of-sale mode so they can be accessed by employee 600 andprocessors 320, 1320 can send an instruction to lock cash drawers 445,545 when kiosks 10, 20 are switched to self-checkout mode and/orprocessors 320, 1320 can also send an instruction to illuminate a remoteindicator light 450, 550 when switched from point-of-sale mode toself-checkout mode to alert customers 605 that particular kiosks 10, areavailable for self-checkout. The plurality of computer executableinstructions, when executed by processors 320, 1320, could also beprogrammed to perform any number of other functions based on therotational position of kiosks 10, 20, such as, changing the userinterface on display units 310, 310A, 1310, 1310A between apoint-of-sale mode interface and self-checkout mode interface,activating speaker based instructions when kiosks 10, 20 are switched toself-checkout mode, activation of remote indicator lights 450, 550 whenkiosks 10, 20 are switched to self-checkout mode and/or point-of-salemode, changing barcode readers 200, 1200 from a swipe mode to apresentation mode when kiosks are switched from point-of-sale mode toself-checkout mode, changing a wake up system and/or parameters to avoideye annoyance of customer 605 when switched to self-checkout mode,prompting employee to login when switched from self-checkout mode topoint-of-sale mode, activating facial recognition to login a cashierwhen switched to point-of-sale mode, activating facial recognition toverify payment or verify purchase of an age restricted item whenswitched to self-checkout mode, and/or using the images received fromvision cameras 340, 1340 to watch for security events (e.g.,sweethearting, scan avoidance, etc.). If desired, kiosks 10, 20 couldalso be automatically switched to a hybrid mode when kiosks 10, 20 arerotated and positioned between the first and second rotational positionsto allow kiosks 10, 20 to be jointly used by the cashier and customer.In the hybrid mode, there could be a combination of the functionalitydescribed above activated since both the cashier and customer are usingkiosks 10, 20. For example, barcode readers 200, 1200 and paymentmodules 330, 330A, 1330, 1330A could both be activated since both thecashier and customer are using kiosks 10, 20, advanced processing ofimages, such as facial recognition, could be also be activated since thecustomer is using kiosks 10, 20, and cash drawers 445, 545 associatedwith each assembly 400, 500 could be unlocked so they can still beaccessed by employee 600.

With the ability of kiosks 10, 20 to rotate within assemblies 400, 500and to determine the rotational position of kiosks 10, 20, additionalfunctionality can also be incorporated into assemblies 400, 500. Forexample, an additional rear facing vision camera could be added tokiosks 10, 20 and kiosks 10, 20 could be configured to automaticallydetect the presence or absence of employee 600 in the vicinity of kiosks10, 20. A motor can also be incorporated into bases 405, 505 that canautomatically rotate kiosks 10, 20 between point-of-sale mode andself-checkout mode based on the presence or absence of employee 600.This allows kiosks 10, 20 to be automatically converted from an employeeoperated point-of-sale station to a self-checkout station, even ifemployee leaves and forgets to switch kiosks 10, 20 to self-checkoutmode, thus automatically maximizing the number of usable self-checkoutlocations available to customers. Kiosks 10, 20 can then alsoautomatically switch and rotate back to point-of-sale mode when thepresence of employee 600 is again detected. In order to account foremployee 600 momentarily stepping outside of the field-of-view of kiosks10, 20, for example to retrieve something, kiosks 10, 20 could also beconfigured with a time limit associated with the lack of presence ofemployee 600, before a decision to convert to self-checkout mode ismade.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, thedescribed embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpretedas mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentiallycombinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In otherwords, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementionedembodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the otheraforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations. Moreover, no stepsof any method disclosed herein shall be understood to have any specificorder unless it is expressly stated that no other order is possible orrequired by the remaining steps of the respective method. Also, at leastsome of the figures may or may not be drawn to scale.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The legal scope of theproperty right is defined solely by the appended claims including anyamendments made during the pendency of this application and allequivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second,top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish oneentity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”,“having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,includes, contains a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly statedotherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, inanother embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and inanother embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein isdefined as connected, although not necessarily directly and notnecessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” ina certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also beconfigured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one ormore generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such asmicroprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors andfield programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored programinstructions (including both software and firmware) that control the oneor more processors to implement, in conjunction with certainnon-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of themethod and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or allfunctions could be implemented by a state machine that has no storedprogram instructions, or in one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certainof the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, acombination of the two approaches could be used.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readablestorage medium having computer readable code stored thereon forprogramming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform amethod as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storagedevice, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read OnlyMemory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flashmemory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intendedto be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditionalmeans-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for”or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A kiosk, comprising: a kiosk housing havinga width less than or equal to 9 inches; a barcode reader within thekiosk housing, the barcode reader comprising a reader housing having alower housing portion with an upper surface facing a product scanningregion and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housingportion, a horizontal window positioned at the upper surface of thelower housing portion and configured to allow a first light to passbetween the product scanning region and an interior region of the readerhousing, an upright window positioned in the upper housing portion andconfigured to allow a second light to pass between the product scanningregion and the interior region of the reader housing, where the readerhousing has a width that is greater than or equal to 5 inches and lessthan or equal to 7½ inches, the lower housing portion has a height thatis greater than or equal to 3 inches, the upper housing portion has aheight that is greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equalto 6 inches, and the upper surface of the lower housing portion has alength between a proximal edge adjacent the upper housing portion and adistal edge that is opposite the proximal edge, the length is greaterthan or equal to 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches; a receiptprinter within the kiosk housing; a display unit; and a processor withinthe kiosk housing, the processor communicatively coupled to the barcodereader, the receipt printer, and the display unit.
 2. The kiosk of claim1, wherein the display unit is positioned within the kiosk housing. 3.The kiosk of claim 2, wherein the barcode reader, the receipt printer,and the display unit are vertically aligned.
 4. The kiosk of claim 3,wherein a height of the kiosk housing is less than or equal to 17inches.
 5. The kiosk of claim 2, wherein there are no other electroniccomponents located within the kiosk housing that are communicativelycoupled to barcode reader, the receipt printer, or the display unit. 6.The kiosk of claim 1, comprising: a vision camera positioned within thekiosk housing and above the barcode reader, the receipt printer, and thedisplay unit; and a video processing module communicatively coupled tothe vision camera and the processor; wherein a first field-of-view ofthe barcode reader and a second field-of-view of the vision cameraoverlap in the product scanning region.
 7. The kiosk of claim 1,comprising a payment module.
 8. The kiosk of claim 7, wherein thepayment module is within the kiosk housing and is partially integratedwith the display unit.
 9. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the kiosk ismounted to a rotatable base and the kiosk is rotatable with therotatable base without any vertical movement of the kiosk.